Tree identification - Knowledgebase Question

Several large, old trees in our are that I can't identify. People around me assume I know what they mean when they refer to their Elm trees, Black Oaks, Red Oaks, Pin Oaks,etc. How do I identify various trees? Is it by the leaf shape or the bark? Please! clue me in.

You're absolutely correct! Trees are keyed out according to their leaf shape, bark, branch structure and flowers. There are tons of books on the subject but I also found a website with some very helpful information on tree identification, hosted by the University of Tennessee:http://www.utextension.utk.edu...